Wave Hello to Summer
Australians love the sun, enjoying outdoor activities like walks, sports and relaxing by the beach. However, when the heat becomes unbearable, keeping the little ones entertained indoors can be challenging. So, why not transform your backyard into a water park and bring the fun home? To help you beat the summer heat, Josephine Day from Sydney Pool + Outdoor Design talks to AEON Pools’ director, Adrian Swain, about how to recreate this experience at home.
AEON Pools was established in 2016 by Adrian Swain, a registered landscape architect with a profound understanding of outdoor design. Recognising the need for a pool company that offered more than just a pool, Swain set out to create spaces that seamlessly integrate with one’s home, lifestyle and property. His design-led approach is focused on crafting bespoke outdoor living areas, with pools tailored to aesthetics, functionality and budget. “Our mission is to provide you with integrated designer pool gardens and entertaining areas,” Swain says. A backyard water park becomes an undeniable focal point in your home, one that will have neighbours peeking over the fence in envy. Beyond providing endless fun, it offers children a chance to engage in water play, delivering both enjoyment and physical health benefits. From slides and fountains to rock features, creating the perfect backyard water park can be daunting. Let’s dive in and explore Swain’s expert tips on crafting a unique water park experience for your family.
WATER YOU WAITING FOR?
Why deal with the crowds and high costs of busy water parks when you can bring the experience right to your backyard? Designing your outdoor space to be a personal waterpark oasis makes your home the ultimate go-to spot for family and friends, offering endless entertainment for everyone from the young to the old. The possibilities are endless, but the first step is to assess your existing space and decide on a design that fits.
You don’t need to go all out with elaborate features, sometimes simplicity is key. If a generous waterslide doesn’t suit your style or space, consider adding a simple water feature or splash pad instead. When designing your backyard water park, Swain essential features for maximum fun. “My shares some
favourite feature in my own pool is an integrated wet deck fountain. There are 12 fountain nozzles that pop at different times and heights. It’s like having a regional playground in your backyard!” Swain exclaims. He further mentions that a water slide is always a hit for parents and older kids. Swain also created a jump-off rock in his pool, utilising a natural outcrop to create a deeper section with three levels for different levels of adventure. One of the simplest features to add is an extended ledge, which could be a beach area, swim-out, shallow splash pad or a lounging zone. As Swain notes, “no one wanted to tread water all the time, ledges are where kids spend their time mostly.”
SWIMMING IN STYLE
While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of designing your backyard and water park, it’s essential to strike a balance between aesthetics and functionality. When planning your space, consider factors such as your outdoor area, budget and features you want to include to ensure the best experience. The size and shape of the area are key in creating a functional and enjoyable space. For example, think about how your water features will interact with trees, gardens and outdoor living areas to enhance the overall atmosphere. “Balance in this space comes with a muted materials palette – not too much going on. I prefer monolithic concrete or stone, and planting plays a major role in framing, softening and segmenting aspects of the pool. That way, not one feature is the focal point, and rather, they’re all part of one composition,” Swain suggests.
Safety is also crucial. Consider adding proper pool fencing, kid-friendly equipment and shade to keep the environment safe for everyone. Swain also stresses the importance of ensuring the “depth of water and distance from the slide exit (or plume) is sufficient to avoid collisions
with other structures.” Additionally, choosing the right flooring is essential – opt for non-slip finishes on tiles and paving to prevent slips and trips.
AN EXPERT TIP
Creating your backyard oasis is not a simple, quick project – it’s an opportunity to bring creativity, happiness and lasting memories with loved ones that they’ll cherish for years to come. These moments of joy will remain long after the summer has ended, making the effort of designing your space all the more rewarding. However, Swain points out that many homeowners make common mistakes when designing their pool features, ones that are easy to avoid with the right approach. “I find that people cut corners and budgets. A feature needs to stand out, both aesthetically and functionally, either from a use or sensory perspective. Cutting corners or budget will deliver a compromised feature which draws your eye,” he says. While the process of planning and executing your water park can be time-consuming (and sometimes challenging!) attention to detail will pay off in the long run, as it’s the small details that make all the difference. Swain advises homeowners to “use an experienced professional who has a proven track record of designing, installing and managing these features.”
Custom lighting is another effective way to enhance your outdoor experience, especially for sunset and late-night swims. “Lighting is an enhancement to existing features but can also throw shadows onto an otherwise blank wall. We use light and shadow to create interest,” Swain comments. Thoughtful lighting not only illuminates your space but also adds a layer of ambiance that transforms your backyard into a true oasis, making it a place to enjoy day or night.
